Wildfires update May 10, 11 a.m.; still out of control

The latest information from Alberta Wildfire is that the focus right now is on protecting homes, critical infrastructure, the safety of first responders, and to further limit wildfire spread.

The wildfire remains classified as out of control and is estimated to be 229,078 hectares in size experiencing very little growth yesterday. he increase in size is due to the Fort McMurray wildfire (MWF-009) overrunning the wildfire that was burning to the east which was MWF-015.

In a statement this morning, Wildfire Information Officer Leah Lovequist says this morning conditions are cool and damp and the fire behavior has been reduced to smoldering. However, as the temperature warms up fire crews are expecting to see open flame. At this time there has not been any notable amount of rain on this wildfire.

Lovequist says the cool and cloudy weather has allowed firefighters to make good progress with dozers having worked through the night to build guard around the north, east and south side of the wildfire. The progress is expected to continue with the cool weather and light winds forecast for the next several days.

There are currently more than 700 firefighters (389 wildland and over 350 municipal), 20 helicopters (4 heavy helicopters) and 15 airtankers working on the wildfire. Additional firefighters and various pieces of heavy equipment are expected to arrive over the next coming days.

Lovequist says updates on the Fort McMurray wildfire and evacuation are available by visiting www.alberta.ca.